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Dog Proof Chickens

post #1 of 7
7/31/12 at 7:19pm
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aloha! Well, currently I have seven chickens in about a 50 sq. foot pen.  even tho that seems fairly ample, they still seem to tear the grass to shreds leaving it barren and poopy.   where I live in hawaii (kauai), we have no natural predators which is totally awesome.  no hawks, weasels, raccoons etc.    I usually let them out of them pen a few hours before sunset to roam the yard (about  acres) in search of fresh bugs and grass.  however, I live near a community path that some people (perhaps four or five on an average day) walk with their unleashed dogs.  I guess what I am looking for is to find a breed of chicken that is independent enough to be able to dodge dogs, but dependent enough to come home to roost every night and lay eggs in the provided nests.  I absolutely love to free range chickens and letting them forage to their little hearts content.  The reason I ask is because recently a stupid dog murdered one of my chickens!  It was a rhode island red and now I am wondering if your usual heavy breeds like RIR's, BO's, barred rocks, etc. are a little too fat, fearless (dumb) and slow.  I mean that about the chickens in the nicest way of course, and am wondering if anyone has had any luck with other breeds free-ranging in dog territory...thanks in advance       -josh

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post #2 of 7
7/31/12 at 7:50pm

Welcome to BYC.

You do have a problem.  There really is no dog proof free ranging chicken.  Even the ones that can fly well can be taken unaware.  Can you fence along the path?  If not that then a run for the chickens is the only safe option.

I don't get better with age, only more confused(ing).

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I don't get better with age, only more confused(ing).

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post #3 of 7
8/2/12 at 10:50am

welcome-byc.gif Dog will be dogs, unfortunately. I lost a hen to a dog once and she wasn't stupid. The dog was hungry and she was there... I agree with Den in Penn, maybe you should put a fence and keep the dogs away from your birds.

 

A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked ~ Bernard Meltzer

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A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked ~ Bernard Meltzer

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post #4 of 7
8/3/12 at 11:52am

I agree, a fence would be your best bet.. any dog even if you own them yourself can present and an issue.. i never 100% trust mine with any of the birds here.

~ Firefly Farms home to

 

Ducks-                                                   Chickens-

Muscovy, Calls & Buff orpington          Ameraucana, Silkies

 

As well as Miniature horses, lionhead rabbits, fish, dogs, cats, plus parrots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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~ Firefly Farms home to

 

Ducks-                                                   Chickens-

Muscovy, Calls & Buff orpington          Ameraucana, Silkies

 

As well as Miniature horses, lionhead rabbits, fish, dogs, cats, plus parrots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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post #5 of 7
8/5/12 at 8:43am
I too live in Hawaii and have lost multiple chickens to dogs. I solved it - no losses since 2009 - with a solar powered electric mesh run from Premier. call and ask them about shipping options and they make it much better than the price that comes up online. I currently am using a 100 foot and a 50 foot length for an all day run, and have an older 160 foot perimeter that I use on my garden to prevent turkeys, and into which they can go for an extra treat under supervision.
Aloha from the Big Island!
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post #6 of 7
8/5/12 at 9:30am

Sorry to hear about your trouble with the dogs. The others are right. The only way to secure your chickens is to confine them full time. I have the same trouble here in maine, but my problem is with foxes, and other preditors. I give my girls grass and dandilion leaves at least once a day. It's extra work but I know they are protected.  

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post #7 of 7
8/5/12 at 9:36am

Dogs can be a problem here in Nebraska also. I am very fortunate to have 2 German Shephards that protect my flock from everything, including strange people. I leave them out take care of my chickens while they are free ranging.

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